Taiwan’s entertainment industry has been making waves globally, captivating audiences with compelling storytelling, fresh faces, and diverse genres. While K-dramas and C-dramas often steal the spotlight, Taiwanese dramas (TW-dramas) and films offer a unique charm, often delving into more realistic narratives, LGBTQ+ themes, and intricate character studies. If you’ve been wondering who the faces currently dominating the screens and winning hearts are, you’ve come to the right place!
Based on the latest trends, critical acclaim, and social media buzz, let’s dive into the world of Taiwan’s most trending and beloved actors. Get ready to discover your next favorite star! 🌟🎬
1. The Reigning Heartthrob & Global Sensation: Greg Hsu (許光漢) ❤️✨
No discussion about trending Taiwanese actors is complete without mentioning Greg Hsu. His rise to superstardom has been nothing short of meteoric, especially after the international success of the time-travel romance “Someday or One Day” (想見你). He’s not just a pretty face; Greg possesses incredible versatility and emotional depth, making him a true force to be reckoned with.
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Why He’s Trending:
- “Someday or One Day” Phenomenon: This drama cemented his status as a global heartthrob, showcasing his ability to portray multiple characters across different timelines with nuanced perfection. Fans worldwide were obsessed! 🌍
- Movie Star Status: He’s successfully transitioned to the big screen with hits like “Marry My Dead Body” (關於我和鬼變成家人的那件事), a groundbreaking LGBTQ+ action-comedy that was a massive box office success and even hit Netflix globally. His performance was lauded for its humor and emotional honesty.
- Versatile Charms: From sweet boy-next-door to complex, troubled characters (like in “Light the Night” (華燈初上)), Greg proves he can do it all. His ability to switch between intense dramatic roles and lighthearted comedy keeps audiences captivated.
- Commercial Appeal: He’s a highly sought-after brand endorser, appearing in countless advertisements across Asia, further solidifying his ubiquity. 💸
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Must-Watch Works:
- “Someday or One Day” (想見你, 2019-2020): His breakout role where he played two distinct characters across different timelines. A true masterpiece!
- “Light the Night” (華燈初上, 2021-2022): A complex, noir-infused murder mystery where he plays a young, ambitious university student entangled in a world of hostesses and secrets.
- “Marry My Dead Body” (關於我和鬼變成家人的那件事, 2023): His blockbuster film debut as a leading man, where he plays a straight cop forced to marry a gay ghost. Hilarious and heartwarming!
2. The Versatile & Critically Acclaimed: Austin Lin (林柏宏) 🎭🔥
Austin Lin has steadily climbed the ranks, earning critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase for his nuanced performances and impressive range. He’s an actor who truly embodies his characters, making every role memorable.
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Why He’s Trending:
- Recent Netflix Successes: Austin has been a prominent face in recent high-profile Netflix original productions, giving him significant international exposure.
- Award-Winning Talent: He won the Golden Horse Award for Best Supporting Actor for “At Cafe 6” (六弄咖啡館), showcasing his early talent, and has continued to deliver award-worthy performances.
- Diverse Role Choices: Whether it’s a serious crime thriller or a lighthearted romance, Austin effortlessly adapts. His role in “Copycat Killer” (模仿犯) showed his intense dramatic chops, while “At the Moment” (此時此刻) showcased his romantic and comedic side.
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Must-Watch Works:
- “Copycat Killer” (模仿犯, 2023): A gripping crime thriller series where he plays a journalist helping to solve a serial murder case. His intensity is palpable!
- “Marry My Dead Body” (關於我和鬼變成家人的那件事, 2023): Co-starring with Greg Hsu, Austin plays the titular “dead body” (a ghost!), delivering a hilarious and surprisingly touching performance. His chemistry with Greg is undeniable! 👻
- “At the Moment” (此時此刻, 2023): An anthology romance series where he stars in one of the segments, showing his lighter, charming side.
3. The Charismatic Rising Star: Patrick Shih (施柏宇) 🕺✨
Another breakout star from “Someday or One Day,” Patrick Shih has continued to build his career with a blend of youthful charm and an evolving acting prowess. He’s quickly becoming a fashion icon and a sought-after face in the industry.
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Why He’s Trending:
- “Someday or One Day” Legacy: His complex portrayal of Mo Jun-Jie in the hit drama left a lasting impression, solidifying his place in fans’ hearts.
- Continued Activity: He’s been consistently active in dramas and variety shows, expanding his visibility and showing different facets of his personality.
- Youthful Appeal & Fashion Sense: Patrick’s fresh-faced looks and distinct fashion style resonate well with younger audiences, making him a trendsetter. 📸
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Must-Watch Works:
- “Someday or One Day” (想見你, 2019-2020): Essential viewing to understand his foundational role and emotional depth.
- “Chasing the Light” (追光者, 2022): A Chinese drama where he takes on a more mature role, showcasing his growth as an actor.
- “Future is Now” (未來媽媽, 2020): A more contemporary drama exploring modern relationship challenges, where he showcases his evolving acting range.
4. The Young Powerhouse Actress: Gingle Wang (王淨) 🎬🌟
While the prompt focused on “actors,” it’s impossible to discuss “trending” Taiwanese talent without mentioning the incredible Gingle Wang. She is undeniably one of Taiwan’s most prolific and acclaimed young actresses, with a commanding screen presence beyond her years.
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Why She’s Trending:
- Award-Winning Performances: Gingle has already accumulated an impressive list of nominations and awards, including a Golden Horse Award for Best Actress nomination for “Detention” (返校).
- Diverse Filmography: From horror to crime thrillers, and heartfelt dramas, Gingle takes on challenging and varied roles, proving her immense range. She’s a face you see everywhere in quality Taiwanese productions.
- Strong Female Leads: She often portrays complex, strong female characters, resonating with modern audiences. Her role in “Wave Makers” (人選之人—造浪者) was particularly impactful.
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Must-Watch Works:
- “Detention” (返校, 2019): A critically acclaimed horror film adaptation of a popular video game, where her intense performance received widespread praise.
- “The Victims’ Game” (誰是被害者, 2020): A gritty crime thriller series on Netflix where she plays a crucial role.
- “Wave Makers” (人選之人—造浪者, 2023): A highly acclaimed political drama series on Netflix, where she plays a determined political staffer. A must-watch for its sharp writing and relevant themes.
- “At the Moment” (此時此刻, 2023): Another segment in this anthology, showcasing her charming and vulnerable side.
5. The Rising Versatile Talent: Tseng Jing-Hua (曾敬驊) 👀💫
Another young actor who has quickly made a name for himself, Tseng Jing-Hua often shares the screen with Gingle Wang, forming a powerful duo of the new generation. He brings a raw, natural charisma to his roles.
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Why He’s Trending:
- Impactful Debuts: He rose to prominence with significant roles in critically acclaimed productions like “Detention” and “The Name Engraved Herein” (刻在你心底的名字).
- Consistent Quality: Tseng Jing-Hua consistently appears in well-received dramas and films, showing his growth and commitment to challenging roles.
- Natural Acting: His performances often feel incredibly authentic and relatable, drawing viewers into his characters’ struggles and triumphs.
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Must-Watch Works:
- “Detention” (返校, 2019): His impactful film debut alongside Gingle Wang, solidifying his potential.
- “The Name Engraved Herein” (刻在你心底的名字, 2020): A poignant LGBTQ+ romance film that garnered significant attention and acclaim. His chemistry with Edward Chen was electric.
- “Copycat Killer” (模仿犯, 2023): He plays a key supporting role in this Netflix thriller, showcasing his serious acting chops.
- “Light the Night” (華燈初上, 2021-2022): As a young and troubled character, he delivered a memorable performance in this popular series.
Beyond the Spotlight: Why Taiwanese Entertainment is Thriving 🇹🇼📺
The rise of these talented actors is a testament to the overall vibrancy of the Taiwanese entertainment industry. Here’s why TW-dramas and films are gaining global traction:
- Diverse Storytelling: From dark thrillers to heartwarming romances, and ground-breaking LGBTQ+ narratives, Taiwan isn’t afraid to tackle complex and varied themes.
- High Production Quality: With increasing investment, the cinematography, direction, and overall production value of Taiwanese shows and films have significantly improved.
- Emphasis on Chemistry & Emotion: Taiwanese productions often excel at building authentic character relationships and delving deep into emotional landscapes, making stories incredibly resonant.
- International Platforms: Streaming services like Netflix, Viu, and Viki are making Taiwanese content easily accessible to a global audience, allowing these stars to shine worldwide. 🌐
- Unique Cultural Flavor: While sharing some similarities with other East Asian productions, Taiwanese content often has a distinct cultural identity, offering fresh perspectives.
Conclusion: Dive into the World of Taiwanese Stars! 🎉
The current landscape of Taiwanese entertainment is incredibly exciting, brimming with talent that captivates both locally and internationally. Actors like Greg Hsu, Austin Lin, Patrick Shih, Gingle Wang, and Tseng Jing-Hua are not just popular; they are pushing boundaries and showcasing the immense depth and versatility of Taiwanese artistry.
If you haven’t yet, now is the perfect time to explore their works and see why they are the hottest stars in Taiwan right now. You might just find your next drama obsession or your new favorite actor!
Who is YOUR favorite trending Taiwanese actor, and why? Let us know in the comments below! 👇 G